MANILA - Sen. Richard Gordon on Wednesday said that amending the 1987 Constitution at the height of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic will rouse suspicion that several politicians only want an "extension of power."

Discussing possible term extensions during a global pandemic when the government is expected to solve health and economic woes is "so suspicious," Gordon told reporters in an online press conference.

"Pagdududahan 'yan na it's an extension of power," he said.

The House of Representatives earlier said that it would resume deliberations on federalism after several mayors urged the chamber to amend the charter to ease economic provisions during the COVID-19 crisis.

• Lower House to tackle Charter change amid coronavirus pandemic

"The proper time to change the Constitution is during the campaign. It should be a campaign issue," Gordon said.

"Pag-usapan dapat sa kampaniya 'yan at 'yung mga partido mayroon dapat na base plan or draft plan," he said, noting that Filipinos have always been wary of charter change proposals since the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

(That should be discussed during the campaign and parties should have a base plan or draft plan.)

In 1976, the Marcos government amended the Constitution to create a unicameral legislature and allow the President to have legislative powers while martial law was still in place.

Senate leaders earlier said that amending the 1987 Constitution is
"not a priority" during the COVID-19 crisis.

• Senate leaders say Charter change no priority during COVID-19 crisis
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While the shift to a federal form of government was among President Rodrigo Duterte's campaign promises, Malacañang officials said that charter change is not among the executive's priorities "for now."

• Charter change not a priority for now, says Palace, as DILG rallies support